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Master Mine Book 2: A Lesson in Love	By : snowblind12 & Lissa Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 16041 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Chapter Eight
BETA love – RaynePheonix2 & Sab81790
May 22nd, 2007
Hermione was rifling through some papers on her desk as she called out to her assistant, "Marla, did we ever get a copy of the testimony of that witness in Greenwich?"
"Came yesterday," the administrative assistant yelled back.
Hermione paused and rubbed her forehead as she whispered to herself, "Work on that case first, then." She walked out of her office and over to Marla's desk to discover her new associate, Jonquil, and Marla in a heated debate about dating and sex.
Marla was already holding out the testimony transcript for Hermione to take as she approached her assistant's desk. Hermione took the folder with increased curiosity as the two women continued their debate.
"All I'm saying is, when I met Max, he was interested in more than just sex. It was obvious by how he didn't pressure me!"
Jonquil rolled her eyes. "No offense, Marla, but you're forty-two. I'm twenty-nine. You were dating and depriving Max when you were fifteen-year-old teenagers and I was practically still in nappies." She added exasperatedly, "that's like the dark ages compared to now. Men aren't going to hang around if you don't give up the goods by the fourth or fifth date!"
Hermione smiled understandingly at Jonquil. "What number will Thursday's date be?"
"Fourth," she sighed in response.
"Do you want to sleep with him?"
"Hell, yes! He's all rippled muscle and sex appeal. I have to wipe my mouth constantly to keep the drool from showing."
Hermione laughed. It was nice having a new face in the office. Jonquil Davies was a very successful business attorney who not only had a magical law degree, but a MBA as well. She was American but in the three years she had been in London, had established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Hermione considered herself exceedingly lucky to have the witch on staff.
It amazed Hermione that a catch like Jonquil would have any trouble snagging the man of her dreams. Not only was she sharp as a tack, but she was gorgeous. She was tall and lean and had beautiful ebony skin that was smooth as silk and completely blemish free.
"Has he put the moves on you?" Hermione prodded further into Jonny's dilemma.
Jonquil slumped. "Yes, the past two dates as he kissed me goodnight and things got a little heated. My mouth was saying no but my body was saying yes."
"And he didn't take advantage?" Hermione asked, impressed. "He respects you. He must really like you."
"And I like him. But in my dating experience, some men like the chase and then, once the catch is made, they're off hunting another rabbit."
Jonny's eyes lit up as she looked at Hermione hopefully. "Well, what about you and your man? How long were you dating before you gave up the goods?"
Hermione considered her response. Oh, we weren't dating! He simply had me naked and kneeling within an hour or so of walking into the club.
Slyly, she told a partial truth. "Well, we had a bit of a history, so when we actually started going out, it was a few months before we had sex."
Marla looked vindicated as she smirked at Jonquil, "See?"
Hermione laughed, "Hold on! We did…other things."
Jonquil nodded knowingly, "Yeah, those other things? They lead to the thing very quickly, if you know what I mean."
Their conversation was interrupted by the floo activating and the entrance of Severus, himself.
Hermione smiled as he walked over and kissed her cheek. "Severus, you remember Marla." Snape nodded hello. "And this is Jonquil Davies, my new associate.
"Jonquil, this is Severus Snape."
Severus reached his hand out to shake the accomplished woman's hand. "Pleasure to meet you."
Jonquil grinned. "Yes, I recognize you from the pictures in The Prophet. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Hermione resisted the urge to cringe. Her wizard had been less than happy to find himself on the cover of the Sunday paper the morning after the Ball. The article describing the event had practically devoted an entire paragraph accounting Severus and Hermione's movements, including the individuals they spoke to throughout the evening. It seemed the paper couldn't get enough of the fact that they were dating.
Adding insult to injury, it showed him on stage with Harry before receiving his medal, a medal he really didn't want. Severus had, however, thoroughly enjoyed the picture in the social section that displayed a very clear shot of his hand grabbing her arse with her cape flipped off to the side. Because the photo was taken from behind her, her face wasn't visible. No one would even know it was her if the caption hadn't plainly stated; "Reclusive war hero returns, Hermione Granger's bum in one hand and a medal in the other." It was a play on words because one picture was the arse shot utilizing his left hand and the picture beside it showed his right holding the medal while he was on stage.
Hermione didn't give him a chance to respond. She grasped his hands in both of hers and walked backwards, leading him towards her office. "I have something to show you before we go to lunch," she offered with a teasing smile.
His look was playfully skeptical as he whispered loud enough for only her to hear, "Hmm, I doubt it can top what you showed me the last time I was in your office."
She looked at him questioningly for a second as she closed the office door behind them. A smirk crept over her face as she remembered. "I hated wearing that stupid chastity belt."
His eyes lit up villainously. "I remember." He stepped to her desk and ran his lithe fingers along it suggestively.
Hermione knew what he was thinking and gave him a playful warning look. Her expression turned shy when she opened her desk drawer and pulled out a small stack of photos. Hesitating for a minute, she cautiously held them out to him.
His brow shot up as he took them, his index finger stroking the back of her hand in the process.
Hermione watched as he looked down, his expression unchanged as he stared.
She leaned across her desk peeking at the magical picture. "That one was definitely third year and you look positively murderous." She added playfully, "Of course, I'll never understand the obsession with Quidditch."
Severus stared at the picture, the moving image of a very young Hermione stirred a disappointment in himself for not having been aware of how magnificent the girl had been, even as a child. The picture depicted Gryffindor celebrating a win on the Quidditch pitch with Severus glaring at Harry and not even noticing her.
Severus looked up at her in question. She shrugged apologetically. "I contacted the school yearbook committee and asked them if I could have a look at the photo archives." She looked down at the stack in his hand. "Those are all I could find that had the two of us." She gestured for him to keep looking. "Some are better than others."
Severus hesitated before sliding the next photo on top, his heart catching in his throat the minute he looked at it. "Well, look at you," he whispered quietly, settling into the chair in front of her desk. "You were all anyone was talking about that night." His lip curled into a smile. "Minerva was positively beaming."
Hermione smiled softly. "I still correspond with Victor, although not as much as I used to."
"I think it was the first time Potter and Weasley realized you were actually female."
Hermione laughed. "Possibly. I remember Ron was quite the prat that night."
Severus' brow cocked. "Yes, well, jealousy will do that to a bloke, you know."
Hermione tilted her head. The way he said it sounded slightly pained, as though speaking from experience.
"At least I'm actually looking at you in this picture", he added with a sigh. "Of course, everyone was looking at you as you made your way around the floor on the arm of that boy."
Hermione peeked down at the photo that showed Krum and Hermione no less than three meters from the professor as they danced by. Gesturing for him to slide the next picture forward, she added, "The following one's a good one. I don't know who took it."
Snape shifted to the next picture. It looked to be her fifth-year potions class. Hermione was standing beside her cauldron and Severus was right next to her looking down into the steamy concoction. Hermione had a hopeful look as she glanced up at him and instead of Snape's usual sneer, the photographer had captured a moment of obvious approval on his face.
After a minute he moved on to the next photo and froze. It was Defense Against the Dark Arts class and Hermione's sixth year. She was positioned for a duel with her wand before her, and Severus was towering over her from behind. He had one foot between hers, positioning her stance as his left hand was bracing her shoulder, straightening her posture. His right arm was wrapped around her, his hand over hers as he demonstrated proper wand grip and position technique.
"That one's my favorite for obvious reasons," Hermione offered with a coy smile and when his hungry eyes moved from the photo to hers, he tossed the stack onto her desk.
"Come here," he commanded softly but in a way that brook no room for argument.
She chewed her bottom lip and stepped around in front of him. His forefinger uplifted her chin as he leaned down and planted his lips against hers. After a minute he pulled back and rested his forehead against hers. "It was a blessed night when you walked into the club and back into my life, Mine. I don't deserve you."
"What a silly thing to say. You deserve happiness, Severus. And as you know, I only want to make you happy."
Hermione felt a flutter in her gut as a feral growl escaped his throat. "Those are dangerous words, pet." He pulled back, a gleam in his eyes as they focused on her collar. "You make me happy. I only want your happiness as well and, although I don't wax poetic words like other wizards of your past, I find I'm quite attached to you and would be quite vexed if you were to disappear on me."
Hermione laughed. "You could always chain me to your bed and never let me leave."
"Tempting," he deadpanned. "However, right now it is lunch time and I am determined to see you fed." He took her hand. "Come, you are not the only one with surprises."
Hermione smiled when he led her to the floo and called out his flat. When they came through, she was perplexed when instead of heading to his kitchen, he led her out of his flat and downstairs. They walked past the office and continued into the main room of the club, which was quiet and empty, being closed this time of day.
She began to feel a touch of trepidation when they next went up the stairs towards the fantasy fetish rooms.
"Uh, Severus. I do have to go back to work and I am rather hungry. I don't really have the time to…"
"Trust me," he crooned as he opened a door that had charmed ivy cascading over it. Hermione stepped through the entrance into what was a large grass field with a view of rolling hills and a magnificent castle in the not too far distance. She stared, completely stunned at the magnanimity of it. It was a castle of fairytales with turrets and a moat that had a wooden drawn bridge with an iron gate.
Her focus was pulled from the vista to Severus when he called out to her, "Come, Hermione. Lunch is prepared."
Hermione looked to her right to see an open sided tent with a striped canopy and ribbons on its poles that waved in the charmed warm breeze of the illusion. A table was set with two comfortable, cushioned chairs. He held out one for her and after she was seated, draped her napkin across her lap theatrically. When he lifted the lid of the silver platter before her, it was to reveal a ham and cheese sandwich with potato crisps.
She giggled as he took his own seat with a flourish of pomp and lifted his own platter to reveal the same.
"This is amazing! How have I never seen this room before?"
Severus grinned as he poured her a glass of lemonade. "It's not finished. Caspari Keller is in the process of adding this room and a couple others. It will eventually be for fairytale fetishes when it's completed." He took a sip from his glass. "When I checked on this room yesterday and found this outside part essentially completed, I thought you would enjoy lunch out here."
Hermione shook her head in wonder. "Magic still amazes me sometimes. It feels so real. The sky, the breeze, the view," she looked back at him with bright and wonderous eyes, "it's amazing."
"Yes, it is." He peered down at their sandwiches. "Lunch, on the other hand, came from my flat. Simple yet filling and with a modicum of nourishment."
"It's perfect," she complimented as she picked up half her sandwich and sunk her teeth into it.
They ate in silence for a couple minutes, her eyes drawn to his angular jaw as he chewed. She continued to watch him surreptitiously as he took his next bite. How did you never see this man as handsome before now? He had always had sex appeal, and even as his student, he had strummed something inside of her that she had never acknowledged on a conscious level. Looking back, she recognized it now for what it was. She had harbored a bit of an un-recognized crush on the wizard during her formative years. He had exuded power and strength and, most importantly, a bit of mystery. How could she not have found that somewhat alluring? But she had never found him handsome, until now that is.
"If you are trying to be inconspicuous in your staring, you are failing miserably."
She shrugged. "I was just thinking back on being your student. I'm realizing I harbored a bit of a crush on you for a period of time."
He paused his movement, a brow peaking in interest. "Hmm. Do tell."
She put down her lemonade. "Ah, well. Nothing too perverse, I'm sure."
"Pity," he responded before taking another bite.
"I could make something up? Something about me staying after Potions to try to get your attention but you ignored the shameless hint of thigh I tried to bestow."
He swallowed. "I wouldn't have noticed if you had, and that is nothing against the visage of your creamy thighs, I assure you." He paused. "The thought of seeing a student as a sexual creature would have repulsed me to my core."
She cast him a doubtful glance. "Come now, Severus. Young girls surely showed an interest in you throughout your tenure. You must have noticed!"
He placed his napkin on the table and leaned back in his chair, turning his discerning eye on her in contemplation. After a moment, he spoke, "Perhaps. A few. Maybe." He looked towards the castle. "But it was not something I encouraged. As a matter of fact, if I suspected such a thing, it was easy work to quell the chit of the ridiculous notion." He looked back at her. "A few cutting words or a mocking comment usually did the trick."
"Well, you were quite adept at that skill," she conceded.
His eyes darkened. "Yes, well. No one should have to bear witness to what I was forced to see at the revels and Death Eater gatherings. Young muggle girls and women, school age to middle aged, raped and murdered for sport. I was but twenty-one when I saw a young girl raped for the first time." He looked back at Hermione. "Taking advantage of a child was and is abhorrent to me. I could never have looked myself in the eye if I had entertained such an idea." He sipped his lemonade. "It is only the past year or so that I have even considered the idea of classroom fetish play."
Hermione shook her head. "I never understood that piece of it. Why did these revels happen? Why were they well received? You didn't enjoy that part of it. I daresay Lucius didn't either."
Snape took a deep breath. "Everything changed as Tom Riddle became more powerful. In the beginning, he was charismatic and handsome. His arguments were rational and idealistic, his plans political and not violent. The young men who pledged themselves were well bred and from good families. But after they were marked, they had no choice but to play along with the madness that slowly emerged, or they risked the lives of themselves and their families. Some of them developed a taste for it, Macnair for instance. It was a gradual descent into depravity. Men and women of questionable integrity and morals began to be welcomed into the fold. This begat more revels and more senseless violence and murders. Of course, some Death Eaters slowly eased into madness themselves, Bellatrix for instance."
Hermione reflexively rubbed her arm where the word Mudblood had been carved into her skin. It had taken the work of many healers to rid that scar from her body.
After a second, Hermione reached forward and took his hand. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up old memories and depressing thoughts."
He maneuvered her hand so that he was holding it and gave her a gentle tug, pulling her out of her chair and into his lap. Moving her hair out of the way, he kissed her neck tenderly. "You didn't. The memories are never far, despite all the years that have passed, I assure you." After a pause he added, almost shyly, "I think it's…important that we share the difficult parts of our past. It's part of who we are."
She nestled her face into his neck. "I agree and I want to know everything about you, Severus."
He kissed her temple. "For the first time in my life, I think I'm ready for that." He swallowed. "Please have patience with me. Opening myself up in such a way, it does not come easily."
Hermione couldn't help the welling in her eyes. "I promise to be patient, Severus. I just want to be close to you. I want to open myself to you completely."
She pulled back and brushed her lips against his.
They didn't speak for a moment as the heaviness in the air settled around them. Trying to lighten the mood, she teased, "Well, I must admit that I'm quite pleased you weren't some pervy professor who lusted after his students."
She peeked up to see a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, there is this one student who has grown into quite the tempting vixen. She has me considering many missed opportunities that might need to be…revisited."
Hermione couldn't help the little squirm of her bottom as the endless possibilities played in her head.
Sensing her excitement, he added in a teasing voice, "There is another new fetish room. One that M is very anxious to utilize with us." His hand reached up to touch her collar.
Hermione's mouth went dry. "M?"
"Not right away. In time, though. I think you would enjoy it and I know I would."
Wednesday, May 23rd
Hermione flooed to Severus' flat after work at the reasonable time of quarter after six. She was doing her best to limit her workdays and not work so late all the time. Tonight she had only overshot her goal by fifteen minutes. She arrived just in time to find her man getting out of the shower. Wrapped in nothing but a grey towel that was settled low on his hips, his damp skin glistened as he fished through his underwear drawer.
"How was your day?" he asked as he dropped the towel and slid on boxers. He peeked up to find her ogling him with a Slytherin-worthy smirk. "And what's that look for?" he asked as he slid on his black trousers.
"Just admiring the view, that's all," she admitted dreamily.
He looked at her questioningly. "Did you get hit by a stray bludger in your office today?"
Hermione shook her head. "Don't play that card with me, Severus Snape. For all your grumblings otherwise, you know that I find you physically irresistible."
He was slipping his arms into the sleeves of a white, button down shirt. "Yes, that is what has me worried."
Unable to resist any longer, she rushed over to him. Just as she was about to throw her arms around him, he grabbed her and tossed her onto the bed before collapsing on top of her and peppering her neck with kisses. "A real-life case of Beauty and the Beast," he whispered into her ear as his hand slid up under her skirt.
"Well, I can be quite beastly at times," she acknowledged playfully as her palm slid under the unfastened waist of his trousers and boxers.
He slapped her bottom and grabbed her wrist "Unfortunately, I don't have time, love. I need to be downstairs in ten minutes."
Her eyes lit up. "That sounds like a challenge!" She ran her tongue suggestively over her lip. "I'm up for it."
He contemplated for a second. "You have eight minutes to get me off with your mouth only."
"I got this," she proclaimed proudly as she unzipped her dress and let it pool at her feet leaving her in a matching, pink lingerie set. She dropped to her knees and yanked his trousers down with her teeth.
"Hmm, I think you just might."
An hour later, a masked Hermione was in the main room of the club socializing with Clarise as Jonathan worked. It was still rather early, but people were slowly starting to arrive. Jonathan had announced that champagne cocktails were the special drink of the night so both witches opted to try one. It was refreshing and delicious, but Hermione felt its effects immediately. She would not be having a second.
Tonight was not a submission night, so Hermione was free to do as she pleased. The only rules she had to adhere to was whom she was allowed to converse with or touch. She asked Jonathan for a club soda as she stroked her collar absently.
Jonathan had just given her the drink when a head of white blond hair caught her attention. Her hand flew to her mouth in surprise when Draco entered the club shirtless and wearing tight, black leather pants. Around his neck was a simple, black leather, studded collar with a dangling silver tag. He was too far away for her to make it out, but she could guess based on the satisfied smirk on his face what it represented. After all, attached to that collar was a leash. A leash that led to the right hand of a very proud looking Mistress M.
Draco must have felt Hermione's stare because he chanced a glance her way as M directed him into one of the booths.
"Well, look at that," Clarise sing-songed in obvious surprise.
Hermione couldn't help but smile broadly. Draco must be over the moon. "Excuse me, Clarise. I'm going to head over and see if they are up for company."
"Maybe Jonathan and I will join you when he goes on break."
"Okay, see you guys in a bit then." Hermione took her club soda with her as she approached the glowing couple.
"Hello, Miss Priss," M crooned as Hermione stepped up to the table.
"Mistress M," Hermione greeted. "May I join you and Draco?"
M gestured to the empty side of the booth. "By all means, little cub." She looked at Draco and then back at Hermione. "I imagine you are curious about Draco's new collar?"
Hermione was stunned when Draco actually just a little flush, either, as that wouldn't have been as shocking. No this was an all-out, Hermione Granger worthy, full blown blush of beet red. Judging by the hungry look in his eyes as he stared up at his Mistress, it was a result of complete arousal.
"Yes, I noticed it the minute you entered the room. Congratulations to you both."
"Thank you, Miss Priss."
M looked at her submissive who had not said a word. "Draco, you are allowed to speak to Miss Priss whenever in the club provided you have not been instructed otherwise. You may also talk to Rose, but no other females unless I state otherwise. Understand?"
When he didn't answer, the witch stroked his cheek affectionately. "Such a good boy. You may speak without asking permission the rest of the evening."
Draco grinned at M. "Yes, Mistress. Thank you."
"You are welcome," she responded in a preening tone.
Shy was not a descriptive word that Hermione ever imagined she would associate with Draco Malfoy. Yet that is exactly how she would describe his expression as he responded to her congratulations with a quiet, "Thanks, Doll." He was even chewing his lip.
Hermione couldn't believe the transformation. She was equally shocked that he hadn't called her Beaves. Now that a little more time had passed, being called Doll didn't make her think of Lucius immediately, like it had before. She much preferred it to Beaves, in any case. In truth, she was missing Lucius, but she was adjusting to his absence. Somehow, seeing him enter a playroom with another submissive helped her let go a little more. He was right, they simply needed time and it was starting to be easier.
Watching Draco, Hermione noticed he seemed less fidgety than usual. Normally, he would constantly be checking the room with frequent glances as though afraid he would miss something. He always sat in the booth so that he was leaning against the wall and was facing the room. He often times had a toothpick in his mouth or something to fiddle with. Tonight, he was more grounded. Calmer, somehow. He didn't seem so preoccupied with the room as a whole and seemed content to be where he was. Hermione could only attribute that to M's Dominance, or at the very least, her presence.
It interested Hermione that Draco never wore a mask. He did not mind if he was recognized in this public part of the club and he had no qualm with being addressed by his given name.
M, on the other hand, was like Hermione and most of the other members, and preferred to keep her identity private unless in the members-only parts of the club. Lucius didn't always wear his mask either, but Severus adorned his faithfully.
Hermione assumed it was because standards were different for men and women. Men were allowed to be playboys and go to strip clubs and sex clubs without fear of retribution or tarnishing their name. All it drew was an 'at a boy' and a wink with a pat on the back from fellow wizards.
But a female? Particularly, a successful one who was in the public eye? That was a whole other story. Women's reputations were a fragile thing in the conservative world of magic. Yes, there had been progress, but witches were long from being liberated to the same sexual freedoms as their male counterparts. It was just one of the many social injustices that Hermione counted herself a victim of.
Pushing the errant thought aside, Hermione leaned towards Draco. "So, when did she collar you?"
Before he could answer, Lucius approached the table. Draco whispered to Hermione quickly, "Have lunch with me tomorrow and I'll fill you in."
Hermione nodded her agreement and then turned her focus to Lucius who surprisingly slid into the booth next to her.
"Hello M, Doll," he nodded at each of them in turn before he looked at Draco. "Hello, son." His gaze flickered to the new jewelry on his son's neck. "Ah, a new development I see."
Hermione was now able to get a good look at the tag on Draco's collar.
DRACO
If found, return to Mistress M
c/o The Dungeon, Knockturn Alley
The change in Draco was instant. The shyness was gone and was replaced with the cocky playfulness Hermione was used to. He shrugged towards his father. "What can I say. She digs me," he gloated with the arrogant swag of his youth.
"The only digging around here is you. Digging your grave," M responded with a cool and warning tone.
Draco turned to her immediately, a self-satisfied smirk on his mug. "I'll happily dig a den big enough for both of us if you promise to wallow in the mud with me." His eyes draped down her to chest and back up. "Naked."
Lucius laughed. "M, you'll have your hands full with this one. I think he likes being punished."
M nodded knowingly as she assessed her submissive. "Yes, his mouth gets him into a lot of trouble."
"You had some rather nice thigs to say about my mouth a little while ago," Draco bragged.
Hermione didn't know what Draco was doing. It was like he had a sudden personality change back to his typical playful arrogance and had abandoned his submissive side. One thing was for sure, Hermione would never speak to her Master in such a way.
M's retribution was swift, and Hermione was impressed how quickly she brought Draco to heel. Her voice was crisp. Gone was the sexy and playful drawl that Hermione had come to associate with the Dominatrix. Her eyes were stern and her words final. "You will not manipulate me into spanking you, Dragon. Instead, you will walk to the 'reflection' corner and press your nose into it as you rethink your behavior. Your submission to me is not a game, and I am not some tart you can speak to in such a way. You know better and my patience is not endless. Go. Do not come back until you can demonstrate proper remorse and behavior."
"Yes, Mistress," he responded, his head down and his voice contrite. She stood, allowing him to exit the booth. Hermione, M, and Lucius all watched as Draco made his way to the far corner of the room where a small sign hung that said, 'reflection and time out'.
M sighed heavily and slid into the booth. Lucius leaned back and commended the young Domme. "Brava, M. Draco has a nasty habit of pushing to see what he can get away with. He has always been that way. You will both be much happier if you keep that behavior under a tight lid."
M met Lucius' eye. "I won't permit it. I know that he knows better. He's poking the parameters of my control over him. Testing me. Just like any Slytherin would."
Lucius' lip curled into a sly grin. "He needs a Mistress who can handle him. It's why he's had trouble finding someone."
Hermione shook her head. "I'm at a loss. I would never talk to my Master that way."
Lucius turned to Hermione with a cocked brow. "I daresay you wouldn't, kitten. That is simply not your nature. However, not all submissives are the same."
M's voice was contemplative, her Dominatrix persona cast aside in a rare display of apparent sincerity. Her eyes were warm when they met Hermione's. "Lucius is right. Draco needs to not only offer his submission, but have it demanded from him as well. It's what he requires in order to submit completely." She looked across the room at the blond man and then back at Hermione. "I think you'll find a much-changed Draco when he finally comes back to the table." She sipped her drink.
Hermione thought about it. "I do understand that part of it." She looked at Lucius. "Being told you have to do something is very freeing. It's ironic that it works that way, but in the context of Dominance and submission, it just does."
Lucius didn't say anything for a minute, his eyes glossing over momentarily, lost in memories of the submissive sitting nest to him. He cleared his throat. "Precisely. There are different motivations for this lifestyle, just as there are different needs being met for different people. Draco craves submission. Yet, he fights it as well." Lucius paused. "It doesn't come as easily for him as for many others."
"On the flip side of the same Galleon, some Dominants like bratty, envelope pushing submissives. Others don't have the patience for it," M volunteered.
Lucius grinned at M. "Well, you my dear, have the patience of a saint and will need it with Draco."
"We shall see," M responded simply. "We are still learning each other's ways." She pushed herself up from the booth. "Excuse me for just a minute. I'll be right back. If Draco returns, please tell him I said to sit quietly and wait for me."
Hermione and Lucius both nodded at the witch as she walked away.
After a minute, Lucius offered Hermione a small smile. "It seems you and Severus worked things out."
"We did. As upsetting as it all was, I think our relationship is stronger as a result." She gave him an apologetic smile. "Sorry to have troubled you. I really didn't think you would see the note, much less respond."
"I was surprised but pleased you reached out to me," he offered reassuringly. "I always want to be there for you and I'm glad you worked through the issue."
He stared at her for minute, finding himself hoping she was right. As much as he missed Hermione, he ultimately wanted her relationship with Severus to work. He loved them both and would see them happy if it was within his power to do so.
Lucius' mind wandered to his own predicament. It was time he made moves to get over this young woman. He had already owled Juliette that afternoon asking her to dinner this week. He had not slept with her yet, but he was attracted to her and it was worth exploring.
After a second, his eyes widened as he said, "Oh, did Severus tell you that you were correct about the tax overpayments? We have a reputable tax accountant double checking our ledgers to make sure there weren't any other mistakes."
"I'm glad to hear it." There was a breath of silence and then Hermione added, "Thank you for the desk. It will be much easier not having to lug Dungeon business around in my brief case. It can all just stay in the office where it belongs. Although, I may occasionally bring some of the paperwork to my office for Jonquil to look over."
"How is she working out? Are you regretting having the higher payroll?"
Hermione shook her head. "Not at all! She brings in so much revenue. We are learning from each other and enjoying working together. It's likely I'll make her a partner within the next couple years if things continue to go so well."
"Really? I thought you liked being in control of your own practice."
"Oh, I do! So far, however, she and I see eye to eye on everything and we get along very well. Based on how many clients she is bringing us; it is only fair she have a stake. She would be a fool to stay with me otherwise. Another firm will sweep her up quickly." She sipped her club soda. "It's the way of law firms."
"Well, you have a good mind for business, Doll and will do the right thing."
"How about you? Work okay? Anything new?"
"Work is work. The good news is Draco is taking an interest in Malfoy Enterprises. If he continues on this path, it is my hope that he will be running Malfoy Enterprises right alongside me within the next five years. Nothing would make me happier than for him to take over when I retire." There was no mistaking the pride in his voice. "He has a good head for business and has provided some ideas that are very forward thinking. Branching into the Muggle world, for instance. Even possibly bringing some successful Muggle establishments to Diagon Alley."
"Really? You're comfortable with that?"
Lucius sighed and sipped his drink. "I've learned that change is inevitable and it's better to work with it than against it. Muggle technology, for instance. It's quite extraordinary."
"Wow, Lucius Malfoy talking technology," she teased harmlessly. "I love it!"
He shrugged. "The world is changing, my dear."
"And home? How is the Manor?"
"It's good. I think I've decided to get a dog. My beloved Jupiter has been gone for two years and I miss the companionship."
Hermione's eyes lit up instantly. "Oh, I wish I could have one! My hours and the minimal amount of time I am actually home make it impossible."
"Well, you will just have to come to the Manor and spend time with my new companion when it happens."
"I would love that. I feel like it's been forever since I was at your home and I miss it."
"We can't have that. I shall invite you and Severus over very soon."
Hermione smiled warmly. It felt so good to just be talking to Lucius like this. It wasn't quite as comfortable and as easy as it had been when she was his, but it was getting there. The tension was diminishing with each encounter.
Lucius also felt a sense of relief. He had almost avoided Hermione again tonight but at the last minute took the plunge and sat next to her. He was so glad he did. It had been much easier than he had thought it would be. Each interaction was a little less awkward than the one before. The next step would be for the three of them to spend some time together. He would be sure to extend an invitation before long.
"He is still in the corner, I see," M observed as she slid back into the bench across from them.
Hermione looked over to see Draco was standing with his nose still pressed in the corner. "M? Why didn't you give Draco a specific time frame?"
She contemplated before answering. "Only he knows the amount of time it will take to feel true remorse for his behavior. He is also suffering the humiliation of a public punishment in payment to me for his disrespect. I trust him to determine how long that punishment should be."
"That's an interesting approach, M," Lucius said in a contemplative voice. "It never occurred to me to let my submissive determine a time frame."
"I think if it were me, I'd stay there all night." Hermione added simply.
Lucius looked at her quizzically and then smirked. "Yes, you likely would. No one is harder on you than yourself."
M was staring at Hermione, obviously lost in thought. After a few seconds she glanced back at Draco. Hermione could see the lines of concern cross the witch's forehead and wondered if the formidable Mistress was doubting her methods.
"Well, I've got a few things that need tending. I'll talk to you ladies later," Lucius offered with a smile as he slid out of the booth. "Have a good evening."
Hermione responded in kind and watched him walk away.
She glanced around the room as her thoughts drifted to Severus. Not seeing him, she tilted the last of her drink and sucked an ice cube into her mouth as thoughts of work crept to the forefront of her mind. Marla was insisting they should get new lobby furniture. Hermione thought the white, leather sofa they already had was perfectly acceptable.
White.
Her gaze drifted around the room, once again. I wonder what Lucius needed to tend to?
She resolved herself not to think about where he was going or who he might be going there with.
And she certainly didn't think about what he might be going there to do.
No.
Thinking about that was not on her agenda.
She chewed another ice cube.
Not tonight.
She drummed her nails on the table.
Nope.
She looked at her watch.
Nada.
Not thinking about Lucius Malfoy and his Dungeon activities is the new and improved Hermione.
Not going to do it.
She whimpered internally and rubbed her eyes. Oh, for the love of Morgana, stop thinking about him!
When she looked up it was to find M looking at her curiously. Perhaps that whimper hadn't been so internal, after all.
"Too much catnip, Miss Priss? You're about to squirm right out of that seat."
"Ha-ha, M. I'm thinking about work."
"Uh, huh. Sure, you are."
Hermione frowned internally. Her thoughts moved to Severus and an instant calmness washed over her. She reminisced on the brief encounter they had in his suite only a couple hours earlier. She had gotten the wizard off with two minutes to spare, which her Dominant utilized most efficiently with his very skilled mouth on her clit. She had come in less than sixty seconds.
Hermione was pulled from the memory when a very contrite looking Draco approached the table and fell to his knees at M's feet.
M looked sternly at her submissive and tilted his chin up to face her. "You may speak."
Draco swallowed and said quietly, "I apologize for my behavior earlier, Mistress. I did not truly mean to show you disrespect. I forget myself sometimes and my pride battles my desire to submit."
M's voice was stern, and her focus was solely on the man at her feet. "You shall have to learn to control that sharp tongue of yours, pet. I will not put up with such outbursts in the future. Later, when we are alone, we shall discuss ways for you to communicate to me when you need my firm hand's intervention before that pride gets you into real trouble. I should have been firmer with you the minute you stepped out of line. Next time I will keep a tighter control on you to help you."
She gently stroked his cheek with the back of her hand. Draco's eyes fluttered at her tender touch. Her voice became soft and nurturing which was another side of the witch that Hermione had never seen before. "You are forgiven for tonight's transgression, Dragon." She patted her thigh. "Rest your head on my lap and relax."
Hermione could see the relief on Draco's face as he lay his cheek against his Mistress' thigh. She could practically feel the shift in energy as the tension left his body.
M was whispering so quietly that Hermione almost couldn't hear the cooing praise the witch was offering her submissive. "That's my good little Dragon. I will take care of you, don't worry."
Feeling affection for M was a new reaction for Hermione. She couldn't help it, though. Hermione loved Draco and it was clear that M knew what Draco needed. The man was practically in subspace right now just from the soft words and reassurance of this woman who up until now Hermione had assumed had one modus operandi; Seductress. Tonight, however, Hermione had bared witness to some other sides of the witch as well, and what she had seen pleased her. Hermione felt like she was even getting to know Draco a little better because of it.
Draco was submissive yes, but his need was a bit different from hers and his struggles weren't exactly the same.
Hermione began to feel like she was intruding and was about to stand when Lucius and Severus approached the table. Hermione was impressed that the arrival of both his father and his godfather did nothing to jostle Draco's place of Zen. The man simply kept his eyes closed and the peaceful look on his face didn't waver.
Hermione, on the other hand, couldn't deny the heavy stirrings in her gut as her two favorite men stood over her at the side of the table.
Lucius glanced down at his son and then offered M a small smile. M merely nodded slightly. Hermione felt Draco and Lucius were exceedingly lucky to have each other's support in this lifestyle. Not only were they aware and accepting of each other's fetish, they understood it firsthand. This was not something Hermione would have shared with her parents. She didn't even know if she would be able to share it with her friends.
"Pet, can I get you anything?" Severus asked gently.
Hermione beamed up at her lover and sometimes Master. "No, thank you." She slid out of the booth and wrapped her arms around him. "I think I'm going to work a little bit in the office and then turn in."
Severus rubbed her back. "Lucius and I were just heading there as well. We can walk together."
Hermione said to goodbye to Draco and M, but only M responded reciprocally. Draco was still lost within the bliss of his submission.
When the three of them entered the office, they each went quietly to their desks and set to their tasks. No words were spoken, but Hermione couldn't deny how right it felt. There was a peacefulness and a feeling of calm that enveloped the room.
"In here, Draco," Hermione yelled out at the sound of the floo. She was slipping on her sandals when he walked into her bedroom.
"You won't want to wear those. It's pouring out."
Hermione sighed and kicked off the cute, summery shoes and pulled out her trainers instead.
"You don't have to wear those ghastly things either." He walked to her closet. He spotted a pair of ankle boots and pulled them out, tossing them at her feet. "Wear those and put on a black cardigan."
"I can dress myself, you know! I've been doing it for several years now," she added with Slytherin worthy snark.
"Really? Because sometimes, based on your fashion sense, I wonder if Dobby's blessed and reincarnated soul has manifested itself in your subconscious."
"I dress very stylishly. Just last summer 'Charmed' did a full spread on my courtroom attire and how I dress like a winner."
Draco collapsed on her bed. "Yes, your work attire and club attire are impeccable. It's your casual wear that needs help."
Huffing, Hermione slipped off her yellow corduroys and pulled on the more subdued pants she had originally planned to wear. "I thought it was going to be nice today and wanted to wear a little color."
Draco was staring at her ceiling, totally oblivious that she had undressed and redressed in his presence.
"Better?" she asked.
Draco sat up and looked her up and down. Gone was the yellow pants and striped shirt. His brow lifted and his head nodded in approval at the white, wrap around blouse and grey, fitted jeans. She had put on silver bangle bracelets and drop earrings and her hair was pinned back off her face.
"Now you look lovely. Perfectly acceptable to be on the arm of a Malfoy."
Hermione slipped on the black ankle boots. "Your father never complained about what I wore and he's a Malfoy as well, you know!"
"My father was fucking you and had total control over what you wore. Believe me, if he had arrived to find you looking like you were trying to impersonate a rainbow, he would have made you change."
Hermione had no response to that. The truth was, whenever Hermione and Lucius were in public together, with the exception of lunch that one time with Severus, Lucius had chosen what she wore. Draco was probably right.
"Whatever, let's go," she conceded.
As they walked out of her building, Draco held her hand in one of his own as he held up an umbrella in the other. Of course, he cast an Impervious charm on them first but they had to keep up appearances, hence the umbrella.
He walked with purpose like he knew exactly where they were going. This was rather impressive considering she lived in Muggle London.
"Where are we going?"
"I want to pick up a Muggle gaming console."
Hermione could barely contain her shock. "What? Like an Xbox?"
"A PlayStation actually," he responded as he looked both ways before leading her across the street. "Theo has one and Blaise and I were at his place the other night. It was fun. I want one."
Hermione sighed resignedly, "Not you as well. I've already lost Ron and Harry to that mind-numbing contraption on many evenings. Even Ginny has started playing."
"Really?" He seemed to contemplate for a minute.
"So, Blaise is still in town?"
"Yeah, he'll be moving back permanently soon." He looked up. "This looks good. Want to eat here?"
Hermione glanced up at the sign, 'McHenry's'. Hermione looked at the menu in the window and thought it looked fine. Burgers, Fish & Chips, and standard fare. "Sure," she responded.
It was lunch time on a workday and the place was packed. Fortunately, a couple vacated a small corner table just as they walked in. The waitress hastily cleared and cleaned the table and left them with menus and two sparkling waters.
Hermione already knew what she wanted and sipped her water as Draco glanced over the menu. He closed it and set it aside and then looked at Hermione expectantly.
"Well, go ahead. Ask your questions."
Hermione grinned. "Well…tell me! About your collaring! All of it; I want to hear every sordid detail."
Draco cocked a brow.
"Okay, well not everything."
Draco laughed. "Yeah, I didn't think so." He sipped his water and shrugged. "I can't explain it. I mean, yeah, she's fucking hot as hell, but she's so much more than that. She's witty and bright and fun to just hang out with. We connect. We get each other. The D/s is a huge part of everything for sure, but even without that, I would be into her."
"You two need more time to look over the menu?"
Hermione looked up to see a waiter who looked like he wanted to be anywhere other than where he was right now. They placed their orders and fell back into their conversation.
"You haven't been dating very long. The collaring came fast."
Draco smirked. "It was kind of a dare, actually. We were talking about prior partners and she reminisced about the three collared submissives she's had over the past several years. I told her I had never been collared and she said she wasn't surprised because I was more a brat than not." Draco shrugged. "She basically called me out and said that I want to be submissive, but I don't have the balls to really go through with it and take it past hook ups and scenes. I will forever find excuses about how the right Domme hasn't come along, when really the problem is that I'm afraid."
Hermione tried not to let the surprise show on her face. She and Draco had learned to be open with each other, but typically he didn't share this much about himself. Hermione felt almost giddy with the validation of their friendship. She knew she trusted him, but now she understood the depths at which he trusted her as well.
"You agree with her assessment? It's okay if such long-term involvements with a D/s partner don't work for you, Draco. You aren't any less a submissive just because you have no desire to be collared. If there is one thing I've learned it's that everyone comes into this lifestyle for different reasons and with different needs." Hermione didn't think that M had bullied Draco into being her collared submissive, but she wanted to be sure.
A familiar smirk crept on his face. "After she said that, I scoffed and gave examples of the reasons she was wrong. But all I seemed to do was make her case the longer I talked. Draco straightened up in his chair and stared at Hermione for a minute. "I think she's partially correct. I have been…reluctant to take that step." He fiddled with his napkin for a minute.
Hermione wanted him to finish his thought, so she let the silence linger.
He didn't disappoint. "I really like handing over control. The thing is, it's not always easy for me. I don't mean during a scene. I have no problem being told what to do and complying in a fetish room. It's when the submission is not just about sex that I tend to have trouble."
He looked up and met her eyes. When he saw nothing but understanding he continued. "My whole life I've been Draco Malfoy and all that that entails. Pressure to lead, to set an example, to succeed, to… be strong." He swallowed and his voice became soft. "When sometimes, all I wanted was to be taken care of. Not have to think and not have to plot or plan or make choices."
Hermione smiled. "That's very alluring."
Draco nodded. "It is. But it doesn't mean it's easy. Just because I crave that release, doesn't mean I can actually do it, outside of the bedroom, I mean."
"Well, you seemed very happy with her last night. When did she collar you?"
"Sunday evening." He smiled.
"I still want to know how it came about and I'm really hoping it wasn't because you felt you had to step up to a dare."
"No, it wasn't, not really. The conversation moved from my reluctance to commit to anyone in the past to what I really wanted…what I really needed, even though I knew it would be hard."
"And M is willing to take on this challenge?"
"Apparently so. She said she had a submissive for over a year who was resistant and fought what she wanted. M said that in time they became very happy together. They lived together and their relationship wasn't 24/7 D/s. It was like what you and Snape have. It was like what she and I are doing now."
"How come it ended?"
"The witch left M for a man. Her family didn't approve of her being in a lesbian relationship and threatened to disown her if she didn't marry a wizard."
"Wow."
"Yeah, M said that was one of the hardest breakups she has ever had."
"So, you are dating and are her collared submissive. Are you 24/7 submissive?"
"Oh no," Draco said adamantly. "I only submit when we are at the club or on agreed upon nights. But it's not just during sex. It's for a block of time. She suggested we start out small. A couple hours a couple times a week. I think she's right. If I ease into it, it might be easier."
"Makes sense."
Their conversation was interrupted when the waiter arrived with her chicken chopped salad and his burger. They ate in silence for a few minutes.
"Can I ask you what happened last night? Why you suddenly did a one-eighty towards M?"
Draco paused his eating. After a couple seconds he met her eyes as he said simply, "Father."
Hermione's head tilted questioningly.
Draco sighed and blew out a puff of air. "When he came to the table…it was strange, having him see me with a collar on. I mean, he knows I submit sexually, sure. But that's just sex, you know?"
His grey eyes shot up to hers with a vulnerability that caused her to reach across the table and grab his hand. He stared at their joined hands and continued, "It just crashed down on me in that moment that my submission was out there for everyone to see. My father, Lucius Malfoy, was witnessing a part of my need that wasn't just about sex. I just…kind of lost it for a minute."
"Draco, do you think your father thinks less of you because you prefer being a bottom to a top? And in that light, do you think less of yourself for it? Does it embarrass you?"
"No, no! Not at all! I don't think less of myself; I just struggle with giving in to it, and I don't think he thinks less of me. Logically, I know he loves me. It's just hard to expose this part of myself to him or to Severus."
"Draco, your father doesn't just love you, he positively adores you. He was talking last night about how excited he is you are taking an interest in the family business. He just wants you happy. He and M talked about how your submission doesn't come easy. He spoke with nothing but understanding."
Hermione felt her nose prick with happy tears when Draco asked, "Really?"
"Yes, Draco, really! And if anyone has appreciation for submissives, it's your father. He told me time and time again how much he respected me. He respects you as well, I assure you!"
After a second, their hands separated, and they went back to eating. Talking about Lucius in his role as a parent caused Hermione to think about Narcissa and something else she had been wondering.
"Draco, I'm just curious. Did your desire to be submissive intensify after your mother died?"
Draco stopped chewing and stared at her.
Hermione instantly felt guilty. Like she was asking something entirely too personal. "Oh my God, I'm sorry Draco. Don't answer that."
Draco looked at her curiously. "Why are you freaking out? It's a reasonable question." He wiped his mouth with his napkin. "I would have to say yes. I had a taste for both sides of the coin when I was younger, although being a Dominant came much easier to me." He sipped his water. "My mother and I were very close, and she was very nurturing towards me. After she died, there was a huge void in my life. There wasn't someone I could be…weak around anymore. There wasn't anyone who made me feel like I could just let go and be myself."
"I imagine Lucius was dealing with his own grief and had likely left the nurturing to Narcissa your whole life. After she died, he probably didn't know how to fill that role for you?"
Draco looked at her in surprise. "Exactly." He picked up his burger and took another bite. After he swallowed, he continued, "My relationship with Father has changed exponentially since her death. We are much closer now than we ever were. He's not so much a nurturer, but he's a good listener and he supports me in everything. He doesn't pressure me anymore and wants me to choose my own course in life. He hasn't pressured me at all about working at Malfoy Enterprises. I'm coming around to the idea on my own. He couldn't be any more different from how he was when I was growing up."
It was obvious how much Draco loved Lucius. Hermione couldn't help but feel a tad jealous of Draco. She missed her parents desperately.
"So, perhaps part of your desire to submit outside of the bedroom is a need to fill the void your mother left? A desire for a female nurturer?" Hermione added, "Because last night I saw a very soft and protective side of M and your response to it warmed my heart, Draco."
Draco paused mid chew and then swallowed. "I guess. Sure. I hadn't really thought about it that way, but it makes sense." He watched her eat for minute. "What about you? Maybe the loss of your parents has contributed to your need for a Dominant," he made air quotes, "father figure' in your life?"
Hermione smiled. "Maybe. Both my parents were very affectionate towards me and losing them has been beyond difficult. Perhaps part of my desire to submit is to fill that need of being nurtured and loved. But it's not quite the same is it? A parent's love is unconditional. A lovers or a Dominants' attentions can be fleeting."
Draco stared at her for minute, seemingly lost in thought. He tossed his napkin next to his unfinished burger and sighed. "Merlin, Granger. This has become a rather morose lunch. I thought we were going to talk about hot after-collaring sex, and you had to turn the conversation all intellectual and reflective."
Hermione could tell by his smirk he was teasing. "Just tell me you're happy, Draco. Tell me that M makes you happy."
His eyes lit up. "Hermione, she gets me. I mean…she gets me! I've never felt this way about a woman before. She crosses that barrier between vanilla and D/s. She knows me. She knew me at my worst, but she likes me anyway. She gets along very well with Father. She's been coming to family dinners a lot and she just…belongs. On top of all that, we have fun together. Just doing everyday things."
Hermione beamed at him. "Well then, I think a toast is in order. Let's have some champagne."
"Don't you have to work this afternoon?"
Hermione smiled. "I was going to go back the office, yes, but my best friend just told me he is truly happy for the first time in his dating life and I think that calls for a little hooky from work, don't you?"
Draco laughed. "Your best friend, huh? Don't let Potty and Weasel hear you say that."
Hermione laughed. "They are my best friends as well. My relationship with you is just as close. Closer in some ways. I feel like you know me better than any of my other friends even though we have only been hanging out since last Autumn. "Well, since I'm now officially your best friend, let me congratulate you on working things out with my Godfather. It was obvious at the club last night that your relationship is back on track."
Hermione was positively glowing, "We did, Draco. I'm so happy."
Draco smiled but in his heart he knew there was a missing piece. He was tired of the losing battle, though, and would keep his mouth shut from now on.
- 7
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Master Mine Book 2: A Lesson in Love